I was thinking about the complexity and memory storage to space capabilities of DNA, and I was wondering if there are any efforts in using DNA-like molecules for computers?
Any current projects going on?
DNA used for computers?
Moderator: Alyrium Denryle
-
Castor Troy
- Jedi Knight
- Posts: 741
- Joined: 2005-04-09 07:22pm
- Location: The Abyss
-
wolveraptor
- Sith Marauder
- Posts: 4042
- Joined: 2004-12-18 06:09pm
No, but I've heard of scientists theorizing biological computers. So it is considered somewhat feasible by scientists.
"If one needed proof that a guitar was more than wood and string, that a song was more than notes and words, and that a man could be more than a name and a few faded pictures, then Robert Johnson’s recordings were all one could ask for."
- Herb Bowie, Reason to Rock
- Herb Bowie, Reason to Rock
-
The Spartan
- Sith Marauder
- Posts: 4406
- Joined: 2005-03-12 05:56pm
- Location: Houston
I think they're also looking at using the quantum states of atoms. IIRC hydrogen has around 24 or so quantum states... 28? Anyways, imagine how computing power would skyrocket if were able to make practical widespread use of that. Instead of just 1 or 0 we could have 0-27. Or some variation thereof.
The Gentleman from Texas abstains. Discourteously.
PRFYNAFBTFC-Vice Admiral: MFS Masturbating Walrus :: Omine subtilite Odobenus rosmarus masturbari
Soy un perdedor.
"WHO POOPED IN A NORMAL ROOM?!"-Commander William T. Riker
Soy un perdedor.
"WHO POOPED IN A NORMAL ROOM?!"-Commander William T. Riker
-
Admiral Valdemar
- Outside Context Problem
- Posts: 31572
- Joined: 2002-07-04 07:17pm
- Location: UK
There has been a DNA computer. It could play noughts & crosses perfectly against a human. Not useful, I know, and it wasn't reuseable either, but it showed it can be used.
If you want memory storage, then you could hold all the knowledge humanity has ever accumulated on a pinhead in DNA. Reading it quickly and keeping it uncorrupted is another story, however.
If you want memory storage, then you could hold all the knowledge humanity has ever accumulated on a pinhead in DNA. Reading it quickly and keeping it uncorrupted is another story, however.
-
wolveraptor
- Sith Marauder
- Posts: 4042
- Joined: 2004-12-18 06:09pm
No you couldn't. What if you wanted to store the information of the human genome? Wouldn't that take up the whole molecule? After all, that's the purpose of DNA: to be a blue-print for humans.Admiral Valdemar wrote:There has been a DNA computer. It could play noughts & crosses perfectly against a human. Not useful, I know, and it wasn't reuseable either, but it showed it can be used.
If you want memory storage, then you could hold all the knowledge humanity has ever accumulated on a pinhead in DNA. Reading it quickly and keeping it uncorrupted is another story, however.
"If one needed proof that a guitar was more than wood and string, that a song was more than notes and words, and that a man could be more than a name and a few faded pictures, then Robert Johnson’s recordings were all one could ask for."
- Herb Bowie, Reason to Rock
- Herb Bowie, Reason to Rock
-
Admiral Valdemar
- Outside Context Problem
- Posts: 31572
- Joined: 2002-07-04 07:17pm
- Location: UK
What the hell has that got to do with anything? DNA is not just one molecule, it's a chain of molecules of varying length. You do realise that there are species with vastly more base pairs in their genome than ours, right? DNA can be as long or short as you want it and store whatever information you want in a quaternary.system.wolveraptor wrote:
No you couldn't. What if you wanted to store the information of the human genome? Wouldn't that take up the whole molecule?
Last I checked, it was the blueprint for all living things on the planet.After all, that's the purpose of DNA: to be a blue-print for humans.